Expression of PGC-1α, PPAR-α and UCP1 genes, metabolic and anthropometric factors in response to sodium butyrate supplementation in patients with obesity: A triple-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Objective There is increasing evidence that gut metabolites have a role in the etiology of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) supplementation on the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator -1α (PGC- 1α), PPAR-α, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) genes, as well as on metabolic parameters and anthropometric indices in persons with obesity. Methods In this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 50 individuals with obesity were randomly assigned to NaB (600mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet or placebo group + hypo-caloric diet for 8 weeks. Serum levels of metabolic parameters, mRNA expression of PGC1-α, PPAR-α, and UCP1 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the participants' food intake and appetite sensations were assessed. Results PGC1-α and UCP1 genes expression increased significantly in NaB group compared to the placebo at the endpoint. A significant decrease in weight, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) was also observed in NaB group. NaB significantly decreased fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P=0.04), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P=0.038) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P=0.016). Food intake and appetite decreased significantly in NaB group (P<0.05). Conclusions This investigation unveiled the substantial impact of NaB on some anthropometric and metabolic risk variables associated with obesity.